Laserkids®: Verification and scientific evidence of laser-assisted pediatric dentistry

Since the FDA gave clearance for Erbiumlaser in pediatric dentistry in 2004, painless treatments with laser have become an important alternative therapy and should be the preferred method.

Indications in pediatric dentistry range from preventive dentistry as diagnostic with laser fluorescence and laser assisted fluoride application e.g. for treatment of early onset caries as well as fissure sealing.

In restorative dentistry laser-assisted minimally invasive cavity preparation , conditioning of enamel and dentin, pulp therapy as pulp capping, pulpotomy and root canal treatment are specific applications for the use of laser. In pediatric oral surgery laser technology finds its main application in uncovering or removal of unerupted or retained tooth, operculectomy, frenectomy, removal of fibroma, gingivectomy or therapy of other oral diseases as apthosis and Herpex simplex. Different types of laser wavelength are used in laser assisted pediatric dentistry. For diagnostic procedures diode laser (655 nm) are used.

The Erbium lasers (Er,Cr:YSGG 2780 nm, Er:YAG 2940 nm) find their main application in operating on dental hard tissue, such as cavity preparation, caries removal and creation of a micro-retentive surface structure which is also useful for orthodontic treatments and pulpotomy. In the field of pediatric oral surgery either for removal of soft tissue diode lasers, Nd:YAG laser, CO2 are used or erbium lasers for hard (e.g. removal of bone) and soft tissue are suitable.

A lot of published investigations over the last ten years show big advantages of the laser assisted treatment methods - often no local anesthesia is required, no post operative pain, hardly any bleeding, no swelling and faster wound healing through the biostimulating effect of laser, very good acceptance and compliance of the children and young adolescents.

A clear indication for the right application of the different laser wavelengths in connection with the guideline for laser-assisted pediatric dentistry (Laserkids® Concept) are prerequisite for a successful therapy in pediatric dentistry.

The laser assisted therapy with its painless, gentle approach opens new perspectives and is an important extension for the restorative and surgical treatment spectrum in modern pediatric dentistry.

Release date: 2014-07-24 | Expiration date: 2017-07-24